Triplex greensmower open foot platform

ABSTRACT

A triplex greensmower open foot platform provides an opening in front of an operator seat providing visibility from the operator seat to a center reel cutting unit. The opening has sufficient dimensions for removal or installation of the center reel cutting unit or a grass catcher therethrough. A pair of platform sections provides a perimeter at least partially around the opening. Each of the platform sections including a footrest and a rearwardly extending coupling that is manually removable from the triplex greensmower.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to grass mowing machines, and morespecifically to triplex greensmowers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Grass mowing machines used to mow golf courses, parks, and athleticfields where a high quality of cut is desired, may include three or morereel cutting units. Triplex greensmowers have two forward reel cuttingunits followed by a center or rear reel cutting unit positioned underthe vehicle frame and in front of the operator station. Each reelcutting unit on a triplex greensmower may be mounted to a lift arm thatmay be used to raise and lower the cutting unit between a mowingposition and a transport position. Reel cutting units have front andrear rollers, spiral cutting blades rotating in close proximity to abedknife, and may have a removable grass catcher mounted in front of thecutting unit.

There is a need for a triplex greensmower that provides better qualityof cut and reduces the tendency of reel cutting units to leave marks orstep cuts on the turf. There is a need for a triplex greensmower thatreduces the impact of each reel cutting unit when it is lowered to themowing position with the front and rear rollers parallel to the groundto distribute the load evenly. There is a need for a triplex greensmowerthat eliminates the pendulum effect in which reel cutting units tend toswing from the lift arms. There also is a need for a triplex greensmowerthat provides improved access to the center or rear reel cutting unitfor service, and for emptying and replacing the grass catcher.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A triplex greensmower open foot platform includes a left platformsection and a right platform section, each section removably attached toa triplex greensmower with a coupling extending rearwardly from thesection and that is slidable into a frame member of the triplexgreensmower. The left platform section and the right platform sectiondefine the perimeter of an opening in front of an operator seat on thetriplex greensmower that has a larger length and width than a centerreel cutting unit or a grass catcher attached thereto. The left platformsection and the right platform section each include a foot rest and anarrower neck portion extending from the foot rest. The triplexgreensmower open foot platform provides improved access to the center orrear reel cutting unit for service, and for emptying and replacing thegrass catcher.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a triplex greensmower according to a firstembodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded top view of a triplex greensmower open footplatform according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded top view of a triplex greensmower open footplatform according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a triplex greensmower lift system on aleft front reel cutting unit according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a triplex greensmower lift system on a leftfront reel cutting unit in the mowing position according to a firstembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a triplex greensmower lift system on a leftfront reel cutting unit in the transport position according to a firstembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In a first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, triplex greensmower 100 includesleft and right front reel cutting units 102, 104 positioned side-by-sideforwardly of left and right drive wheels 106, 108, and center or rearreel cutting unit 110 positioned behind the drive wheels and in front ofsteerable rear wheel 112. Grass catchers 114, 116 and 118 may beremovably attached to the front of each of the reel cutting units. Anelectric or hydraulic motor may drive each cutting reel and may bemounted to one side of the reel cutting unit. The triplex greensmowermay have operator seat 120 between the drive wheels and rear wheel,console 122 adjacent the operator seat, and roll over protection systemor ROPS 124 attached to the frame behind and alongside the operatorseat. Step 126 may be mounted to the frame of the triplex greensmower tothe left side and below the operator seat, and steering wheel 128 may bemounted on steering column 130 to the right and in front of the operatorseat.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, triplex greensmower 100 mayinclude open foot platform 132 having a left platform section 134 andright platform section 136. The left and right platform sections may bemetal castings, molded plastic, composite or other materials that definethe perimeter of an opening 138 in front of operator seat 120. From theoperator seat, an operator may have an unobstructed sight line throughopening 138 in triplex greensmower open foot platform 132 for visibilityof grass catcher 118 and center cutting unit 110. An operator also maylift the grass catcher through the opening in the triplex greensmoweropen foot platform for emptying and replacement. Additionally, anoperator may use the opening in the triplex greensmower open footplatform to service the center cutting unit, and may remove or replacethe center cutting unit through the opening. The opening in the triplexgreensmower open foot platform may have width and length dimensionslarger than the width and length of the center reel cutting unit orgrass catcher. For example, the opening may have side-to-side andfront-to-back dimensions of 32 inches and 22 inches respectively, whichmay be larger than dimensions of the reel cutting unit or grass catcher.

In an alternative embodiment, the triplex greensmower open foot platformmay have a single platform section instead of left and right platformsections. The single platform section may extend partially or completelyaround the opening for the center cutting unit.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, triplex greensmower open footplatform 132 may include left and right platform sections 134, 136, atleast one of the platform sections being removable from the triplexgreensmower without requiring tools. For example, at least one of theplatform sections may include a coupling 140 that extends rearwardlyfrom the platform section and may be used by the operator to manuallyengage and disengage the platform section from the triplex greensmowerframe. Each coupling 140 may include a base portion 142 and a post 144extending from the base. Each post 144 may slide into one end of mainframe support tube 146, and each base portion 142 may slide into channel148 extending over the end of the main frame support tube. The baseportion and channel each may have rectangular cross sections to preventtwisting or pivoting of each coupling relative to the frame.

In one embodiment, triplex greensmower open foot platform 132 may belocked or secured to the triplex greensmower frame. For example, one ormore locking members 150, 151 such as a bolt, pin or fastener, may beinserted through holes aligned in coupling 140, and in main framesupport tube 146 and/or channel 148.

In one embodiment, the triplex greensmower open foot platform mayinclude a latch 152 to lock or secure together the left and rightplatform sections 134, 136 when both sections are engaged to the triplexgreensmower frame. For example, latch 152 may be provided on the forwardend of right platform section 136 and may capture an abutment 153 on theforward end of left platform section 134. Alternatively, a slot and tabor other mechanism may be used for securing or locking together the leftand right platform sections. Securing or locking together the left andright platform sections also helps prevent disengagement of eachcoupling 140 from main frame support tube 146 and channel 148.

In one embodiment, the triplex greensmower open foot platform mayinclude left and right footrests 154, 156, and neck portions 158, 160,162 extending from or between the left and right footrests. The neckportions may be narrower than the footrests. Additionally, one or moreopenings 164, 166 may be provided through the neck portions to providethe operator with unobstructed sight lines and visibility to the frontreel cutting units. For example, the neck portions may include parallelbars 168, 170 that are spaced apart.

In a second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, triplex greensmower open footplatform 180 may include left and right platform sections 182, 184, andopening 185. In the second embodiment, the left and right platformsections may not be secured or locked together. The second embodimentalso may not include a neck portion or latch extending between the leftand right platform sections. Each of the left and right platformsections may include a coupling 186 that includes a base portion 188 anda post 190. Each post 190 may slide into one end of main frame supporttube 192, and each base portion 188 may slide into channel 194 extendingover the end of the main frame support tube. The base and channel mayhave rectangular cross sections to prevent twisting or pivoting of thecoupling relative to the frame. One or more locking members 196, such asa bolt, pin or fastener may lock either coupling to the frame.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, triplex greensmower 100 mayinclude lift system 200 for each reel cutting unit. Each lift system 200may allow each reel cutting unit to follow ground contours when mowing,and may be used to raise and lower a reel cutting unit between themowing and transport position. Each lift system 200 may include rollaxis 202 where upper lift arm 204 may be pivotably mounted to lower liftarm 206. Roll axis 202 may be behind the reel cutting unit, at a heightor elevation between the top of the cutting unit and the center ofgravity (CG) of the cutting unit, and preferably within about 50 mm ofthe CG. Each lift system 200 may include yaw axis 208 which may be whereyoke mount 224 is connected to the forward end of upper lift arm 204, infront of the CG of the cutting unit. Each lift system 200 also mayinclude lift axis 226 where lower lift arm 206 may be pivotably mountedto the vehicle frame behind the cutting unit, lifter support axis 228where lifter support 228 may be pivotably mounted to lower lift arm 206,and cutting unit mounting axis 230 where yoke mount 224 may be pivotablyconnected to the reel cutting unit side panels 232, 234. Each axis maybe positioned at a different location relative to the CG of the cuttingunit. The triplex greensmower lift system also may include a pair offlexible linkages 212, 214 between lifter support 210 and the cuttingunit to hold the cutting unit still when it is raised from the ground.Additionally, the lift system may include tension spring 216 connectedbetween the forward end of upper lift arm 204 and triplex greensmowerframe member 205 behind and above the reel cutting unit.

In one embodiment, triplex greensmower lift system 200 may include upperlift arm 204 that is pivotably mounted with bearings 220, 222 to lowerlift arm 206 behind the reel cutting unit. The mounting location of theupper lift arm provides a roll axis 202 that is between the top of thecutting unit and the center of gravity (CG) of the cutting unit, andpreferably within about 50 mm from the CG of the cutting unit. From rollaxis 202, upper lift arm 204 may extend forwardly and upwardly where itmay be attached to yoke mount 224. Positioning the roll axis in closeproximity to the cutting unit's CG minimizes gravity-induced positionaldisplacement of the cutting unit when mowing on hillsides, reduces thepossibility of unlapping (leaving uncut strips between cutting units),and reduces the pendulum effect, which is the tendency of a cutting unitto swing when raised in the transport position. Tension spring 216,connected between the forward end of upper lift arm 204 and triplexgreensmower frame member 205, may provide stability to the roll of thecutting unit and also may reduce the tendency of the cutting unit toleave marks on the turf by transfer of weight of the cutting unit to thevehicle frame.

In one embodiment, triplex greensmower lift system 200 may include yokemount 224 which provides yaw axis 208 to give the reel cutting unit afull range of steering as the vehicle turns on an axis perpendicular tothe ground plane. The location of the yaw axis is forward of the CG ofthe reel cutting unit and preferably at least about 90 mm forward of theCG of the cutting unit. Yoke mount 224 may be pivotably connected to asleeve on the forward end of upper lift arm 204. A vertical bolt or rod242 may be inserted through the yoke mount and sleeve, enabling the yokemount to pivot on vertical yaw axis 208. The front of yoke mount 224 mayinclude a pair of channels or groove where upper rod 244 and lower rod246 may be secured and clamped with clamping member 248. The yoke mountdoes not provide a pitch axis at this location. Instead, the yoke mountmay include yoke arms 252, 254 attached to the ends of the upper andlower rods, and extending downwardly where they may be pivotably mountedto side panels 232, 234 of the reel cutting unit at cutting unitmounting axis 230. Cutting unit mounting axis 230 provides a pitch axisfor the reel cutting unit that is below and forward of the reel cuttingunit's CG. Additionally, clamping member 248 may be loosened andreleases to allow shifting the reel cutting unit left or right relativeto the yoke mount. A stop may be provided on at least one of the rods todefine a desired position.

In one embodiment, triplex greensmower lift system 200 may include liftaxis 226 between lower lift arm 206 and the triplex greensmower frame,lifter support axis 228 between lifter support 210 and lower lift arm206, and cutting unit mounting axis 230 between yoke arms 252, 254 andthe cutting unit side panels 232, 234. Each of the lift axis 226, liftersupport axis 228 and cutting unit mounting axis 230 may provide a pitchaxis that allows the reel cutting unit to follow ground contours bypitching on an axis that is horizontal and perpendicular to thedirection of travel, and also may allow the reel cutting unit to stayapproximately level when it is raised and lowered between the mowingposition and transport position. Tension spring 216 also may bias thereel cutting unit upwardly relative to lift axis 226 and reduce groundpressure of the cutting unit on the turf during mowing. Preferably, thetension spring on the left front reel cutting unit may be connected at alocation offset to the left side of the upper lift arm, and the tensionspring on the right front reel cutting unit may be connected at alocation offset to the right side of the upper lift arm. As a result,each of the tension springs may reduce ground pressure and prevent marksor step cuts by biasing the left side of the left front reel cuttingunit upwardly during left turns, and biasing the right side of the rightfront reel cutting unit upwardly during right turns.

In one embodiment, triplex greensmower lift system 200 may includelifter support 210 and a pair of flexible linkages 212, 214 that holdthe reel cutting unit approximately level and prevent swinging of thecutting unit while it is raised to the transport position. To raise thecutting unit to the transport position shown in FIG. 6, lift cylinder236, which may be a hydraulic cylinder or electric actuator, may beretracted. Lift cylinder 236 may be connected to lifter support 210, andretraction of the lift cylinder pivots the lifter support upwardly onlifter support axis 228. A pair of flexible linkages 212, 214, such as apair of chains, may connect each leg of the U-shaped lifter support 210to the reel cutting unit behind the cutting unit's center of gravity(CG). Yoke arms 252, 254 may be pivotably connected to the reel cuttingunit in front of its center of gravity. When the lift cylinder retracts,lifter support 210 may pull up the pair of flexible linkages 212, 214 toraise the rear of the cutting unit while the yoke arms the front of thecutting unit. The lifter support and pair of flexible linkages also mayhold the cutting unit approximately level, and prevent swinging of thecutting unit. After the lifter support reaches a stop, the lift cylindermay retract further to pivot up lower lift arm 206 and upper lift arm204 on lift axis 226 to raise the cutting unit to the transportposition. Tension spring 216, connected between the upper lift arm andframe member 205, may assist the lift cylinder when raising the cuttingunit to the transport position.

In one embodiment, triplex greensmower lift system 200 may hold the reelcutting unit approximately level and prevent swinging of the cuttingunit while it is transported, and when it is lowered to the mowingposition. To lower the reel cutting unit, lift cylinder 236 may beextended to pivot lower lift arm 206 and upper lift arm 204 downwardlytogether on lift axis 226. Lifter support 210 and flexible linkages 212,214 may hold the cutting unit approximately level so that the rear ofthe cutting unit and rear roller 238 reach the turf along with the frontof the cutting unit and front roller 240. Tension spring 216 may dampenor reduce the impact of the cutting unit on the turf. As the cuttingunit reaches the turf, lift cylinder 236 may extend further to pivotlifter support 210 downwardly on lifter support axis 228, removing anytension in the pair of flexible linkages so the cutting unit can roll,yaw and pitch during mowing.

Having described the preferred embodiment, it will become apparent thatvarious modifications can be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A triplex greensmower open foot platform,comprising: a left platform section and a right platform section, eachsection removably attached to a triplex greensmower with a couplingextending rearwardly from the section and that is slidable into a framemember of the triplex greensmower; the left platform section and theright platform section defining a perimeter of an opening in front of anoperator seat on the triplex greensmower that has a larger length andwidth than a center reel cutting unit or a grass catcher attachedthereto; the left platform section and the right platform section eachincluding a foot rest and a narrower neck portion extending from thefoot rest.
 2. The triplex greensmower open foot platform of claim 1further comprising a latch between the left platform section and theright platform section.
 3. The triplex greensmower open foot platform ofclaim 1 further comprising a locking member between one of the platformsections and the frame member.
 4. The triplex greensmower open footplatform of claim 1 wherein the coupling includes a rectangular base anda post extending from the base.
 5. A triplex greensmower open footplatform, comprising: a pair of removable platform sections engaging aframe member of a triplex greensmower so that the sections cannot twistor pivot with respect to the frame member; each of the sectionsincluding a foot rest; an opening between the pair of removable platformsections having larger dimensions than a reel cutting unit; and a locksecuring at least one of the pair of removable platform sections to theframe member.
 6. The triplex greensmower open foot platform of claim 5further comprising a latch securing together the pair of removableplatform sections.
 7. The triplex greensmower open foot platform ofclaim 5 further comprising a neck portion extending between the footrests on the pair of removable platform sections.
 8. The triplexgreensmower open foot platform of claim 5 wherein each removableplatform section includes a coupling with a rectangular base thatengages a rectangular channel.
 9. A triplex greensmower open footplatform, comprising: an opening in front of an operator seat on atriplex greensmower providing visibility from the operator seat to acenter reel cutting unit and having sufficient dimensions for removal orinstallation of the center reel cutting unit or a grass catchertherethrough, a pair of platform sections providing a perimeter at leastpartially around the opening, each of the platform sections including afootrest and a rearwardly extending coupling that is manually removablefrom the triplex greensmower.
 10. The triplex greensmower open footplatform of claim 9 further comprising a latch between the pair ofplatform sections.
 11. The triplex greensmower open foot platform ofclaim 9 further comprising an opening in at least one of the pair ofplatform sections for visibility from the operator seat to a front reelcutting unit.
 12. The triplex greensmower open foot platform of claim 9further comprising a lock between at least one of the pair of platformsections and a frame member of the triplex greensmower.